QC gov't launches Filipino language scholarship program
Mayor Joy Belmonte (Quezon City government facebook page)
The Quezon City government has launched a new scholarship program focusing on the Filipino language.
Named after the father of the national language, the Manuel L. Quezon Filipino Language and Literature Scholarship Program aims to strengthen the city’s commitment to accessible education, cultural development, and the promotion of the Filipino language.
According to Mayor Joy Belmonte, the new ordinance emphasizes the importance of the Filipino language and culture.
“Quezon City is the home of the nation’s capital heritage and the legacy of President Manuel L. Quezon, the Father of Filipino Language (Ama ng Wikang Pambansa). By institutionalizing this scholarship program, we are investing not only in our students, but also in our identity as a people,” she said in a statement on Thursday, Jan. 22.
“This initiative ensures that Filipino language and literature continue to thrive in our schools, our communities, and future generations,” she added.
Enacted as Ordinance No. SP-3458, S-2025, the new scholarship program amends the Expanded Scholarship Code of Quezon City, which includes a dedicated scholarship track supporting students, educators, and researchers pursuing Filipino language, literature, linguistics, translation, and related disciplines.
The Scholarship covers students in college, pursuing postgraduate degrees, and Creative Writing and Literary Grants.
In addition, this new ordinance aims to promote academic excellence in Filipino studies, encourage creative and literary production, support scholarly research, strengthen national identity, and expand opportunities for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
For qualified Tertiary scholars enrolled in Filipino Language, Filipino Literature, Journalism, Philippine Studies, or Education programs with a Filipino major, they may receive up to P160,000 per academic year at private institutions, or a P50,000 annual stipend at public institutions.
Postgraduate degree scholars pursuing Filipino Language, Philippine Studies, Philippine Literature, Comparative Literature, or Linguistics with a Filipino focus may receive up to P105,000 per school year, subject to a research proposal that is aligned with the promotion of the Filipino language and literature.
Meanwhile, young writers and established authors who produce original works in the Filipino language, including but not limited to poetry, fiction, essays, and drama, may receive a stipend support of P10,000 and up to P30,000 in publication assistance, totaling P40,000 in grant support.